South Korea

South Korea has a well-developed potato industry in which potatoes are cultivated commercially across a range of climatic regions, from the cool mountainous areas of Gangwon Province to the warmer southern mainland and Jeju Island. Gangwon Province is the country’s leading potato producing region, followed by Gyeongbuk, Chungnam and Jeju, according to 2021 data cited from the Rural Development Administration. The cool highland environment of Gangwon is particularly suited to spring and summer potato production, while warmer southern regions can support earlier planting.

Potato production in South Korea is closely linked to both fresh market consumption and processing. The crop is grown primarily as a spring crop, with planting dates varying considerably according to latitude and climate. A recent study of commercial farms found average planting dates ranging from around February 23 in southern regions to March 23 in Gangwon and Gyeonggi, reflecting the country's strong climatic gradient. Superior (Sumi) is widely cultivated, alongside varieties such as Bakjak, Dubak, Chubak and Seolbong. Korean breeding programs have also increasingly focused on early maturing potatoes with shorter dormancy, double cropping potential and suitability for processing.

Research and breeding have played an important role in adapting potatoes to Korean production conditions and market requirements. The Highland Agriculture Research Institute (HARI) in Gangwon began potato breeding activities in 1961 and has developed cultivars suited to local environments. Korean breeding has addressed traits including yield, quality, disease resistance, maturity and suitability for double cropping and chip processing. More recently, cultivars such as Gangseon have been developed specifically for double cropping, with regional trials conducted in Gangneung, Muan and Jeju. This combination of highland production, regional diversification and locally adapted breeding supports South Korea's specialized potato sector.

Potatoes were introduced to the Korean Peninsula during the early 19^th century, with historical literature indicating that they spread through Korea relatively rapidly. Records cited in the Korean Encyclopedia indicate that potatoes were being cultivated around Seoul by the late 19^th century, with cultivation reported in 1883 after their introduction by missionaries. The crop also became valuable as a food security crop in areas such as Yangju, Wonju and Cheorwon, where potatoes helped people cope with food shortages. By the early 20^th century, imported germplasm was being used to develop and distribute new types adapted to Korean conditions.

Modern Korean potato production developed substantially after the mid-20^th century. Namjak (Irish Cobbler) became widely cultivated from the 1960s through the early 1980s, while Sumi (Superior) and Daeji (Dejima) were released in 1978 and became important fresh-market varieties. Atlantic (Deaseo), released in 1995, subsequently became an important potato for chip processing. The establishment of potato breeding programs at HARI in 1961 marked an important step toward systematic domestic breeding and Korean programs have continued to develop varieties for different production seasons, climates and end uses.